Stephanie Sheehy is an internationally recognized pioneer of accessible tourism and a visionary leader reshaping how the world understands inclusive travel. In 2012, she and her husband made a bold commitment: Costa Rica’s rainforest, wildlife, beaches, and adventure experiences would no longer be out of reach for travelers with disabilities.
As founders of IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL, they introduced the country’s first internationally-adapted tourism vehicles and worked hand in hand with hotels, tour operators, and restaurants to raise accessibility standards nationwide — opening trails, supporting accessible beaches, and embedding dignity into one of the world’s most eco-adventure-driven destinations. Stephanie is also the founder of the Red Costarricense de Turismo Accesible, a national nonprofit leading a systemic model of verification, education, and continuous improvement in tourism accessibility. Her work goes beyond infrastructure. It connects public policy, private innovation, and
lived experience — ensuring that accessibility is built with the disability community, not for it.
She serves as Director at the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo and as Vice President for the Americas at the International Social Tourism Organisation, positioning her at the intersection of national leadership and global advocacy.
Internationally recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “25 People Changing the World for Accessible Travel,” recipient of the Accessible Travel Press Awards of Excellence, and leader of one of Costa Rica’s most awarded sustainable tourism companies, Stephanie’s impact spans social, environmental, and economic transformation. Her message is unwavering: accessibility is not charity. It is not compliance. It is collaboration, innovation, and responsibility. Through her work, she has proven that inclusive destinations are not only possible — they are
transformative for communities, for travelers, and for the future of our planet.
